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Acid Reflux Symptoms And Diagnosis

Diagnosing and treating acid reflux symptoms can be tricky business! Not only do the symptoms vary, but there are so many different ways to diagnose and treat acid reflux symptoms. The process can be long and drawn out; however, if both you and your doctor work together, you will be able to find the best method of treatment for your acid reflux symptoms.

Acid Reflux Symptoms—Complicated And Uncomplicated

There is a wide array of symptoms associated with acid reflux disease. Some of these symptoms are the uncomplicated results of acid reflux disease, while others are complications that can occur if the condition goes undiagnosed or untreated.

Heartburn is one of the most common uncomplicated symptoms of acid reflux disease, and it is usually the symptom that leads to the diagnosis of the condition. There are other uncomplicated symptoms as well, including regurgitation and nausea. While regurgitation is another common acid reflux symptom, nausea is not. However, when nausea does occur in patients, it is usually frequent and severe and can cause vomiting.

When acid reflux symptoms go untreated, it can lead to further complications. These complications include ulcers, inflammation of the throat, asthma, persistent coughing, inflammation of the lungs, strictures, and fluid in the sinuses.

Another condition that can occur as a result of acid reflux disease is known as Barrett’s esophagus, and it refers to when the cells lining the esophagus become cancerous. Though this only occurs in about 10% of acid reflux cases, the consequences could be deadly.

Visiting The Doctor

If you suspect that you have acid reflux symptoms, you should pay a visit to your doctor so that he or she can diagnose you with the condition. The most common method of diagnosis is therapeutic trial.

Therapeutic trial refers to the practice of making a diagnosis based on the response of symptoms to treatment. In the case of acid reflux symptoms, doctors typically try to treat heartburn by giving the patient medication that will reduce the production of acid in the stomach. If this treatment stops the heartburn significantly, then the doctor is able to diagnose the patient as having acid reflux.

There are other ways of diagnosing acid reflux disease. These methods include endoscopy, x-rays, throat examinations, biopsies, and acid perfusion tests. The best method of diagnosis depends on what symptoms you have, as well as their severity.

Treatment Of Acid Reflux Symptoms For A Better Life

Acid reflux symptoms can be treated in many different ways, ranging from anti-acids to surgery. How you and your doctor choose to address your acid reflux symptoms depend on the persistence and severity of the symptoms; however, whatever method you choose should be one that allows you to experience the best life you can.

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The information contained on this web site is intended to provide general educational information.This site does not attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice, and should not be used to make a diagnoses or to replace a qualified health care provider's judgement.